September 10th, 2012

UCSD Triathlon presents the 2012 Coveskipper Aquathlon/5K

Splashing around in La Jolla Cove. Photo by Ryon Graf

The UCSD Triathlon Team is holding its 2nd annual Coveskipper Aquathlon on Saturday, Oct. 20, and this year, we’re also hosting a 5K run on the sand! The aquathlon will consist of a 1000m swim through the crystal blue waters of La Jolla Shores, followed by a 5K run on the beach—2 trips down to Scripps Pier and back. For those that aren’t really into oceans, come join us anyway and just do the run.

This event will serve as the season opener for the West Coast Collegiate Triathlon Conference, so we invite everyone to come out and compete with some of the top collegiate triathletes in the country. Afterwards, we’ll get together on the beach and enjoy both post-race snacks and awards offered up by our 2012-2013 team sponsors.

When is it?

The race will be on Saturday, October 20, 2012, from 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM.

Where can I register?

You can register at http://coveskipper.eventbrite.com. We will also be offering race-day registration for a flat price (all groups, all races) of $25, credit card or check only. No cash for race-day registration. It is 2012 after all.

What’s the course?

(The swim is the part that’s in the ocean)

Our swim course consists of two 450m loops out beyond the breaks, for a total of 1000m in the water, and will be closely watched by lifeguards. Racers will ride the waves in, take off their wetsuits and goggles in transition, put on some (optional) shoes, then head to and from Scripps Pier two times on the sand for a total of 5 kilometers.

Our runners will start their race at the same time as the aquathloners, but don’t have to get wet before they take off on the sand. The beach is plenty wide and the surface is pretty firm, just look out for sand castles! The start and finish of both the 5K and the aquathlon will be right next to registration. We’ll also have plenty of well-informed volunteers on-site to help direct you where you need to go.

Is this race beginner friendly?

Camaraderie by the sea.

Yes! The ocean should be fairly calm and reasonably warm in October (average temperature in the mid-to-low 60s). While we’d recommend wearing a wetsuit in the water, it can be a surfing wetsuit or kayaking drytop or whatever you’d like! Our collegiate prices apply to ALL university students (even you graduate students), not just collegiate triathletes, so we encourage any and all people in the area to come and check out our race.